Cigarette Smoking - A Complex Problem
Nicotine Addiction Begins Early and Leads to Smoking for Coping
Nov 5, 2009
Although fewer people smoke cigarettes today than in previous generations, the rate for smoking in the United States continues to run in the 20% range, according to the American Heart Association. The Association also notes that more than four out of every five smokers express a desire to quit smoking with many actively or passively trying to kick the habit at any given time, especially with the extra government cigarette sin taxes pushing the price of a pack of cigarettes over $5 a pack and considerably more in some areas.
Most Smokers Start Before Age 20
According to The Teenagers Guide to the Real World, almost all smokers begin smoking before the age of 20. Reasoning and decision-making abilities are not fully developed during these years, and a simple act of rebellion or an attempt to “fit in” with peers, for many teens, leads to a long-term physical and emotional addiction to nicotine.
Once an addiction to nicotine is established, it is very difficult to break the habit as noted by the U.S. Library of Medicine. A certain level of nicotine and at fairly consistent intervals is required to feel “normal” once nicotine dependence is established.
So, teenagers who experiment with smoking cigarettes enter adulthood with an actual physical dependence on a drug – nicotine but also with a number of psychological and social attachments to smoking.
Cigarettes as Self Medication or as Copying Devices
Although some scientists argue that smokers smoke simply to avoid the negative side effects of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, many scientists note that smokers tend to self medicate. For instance, Science Blog notes the high rate of smoking for people suffering with clinical depression and suggest that nicotine is used as a self medication.
Most smokers, on the other hand, self report that smoking cigarettes fills certain voids, which seems reasonable considering that smoking rates are higher among low income groups where stress is likely to be higher and access to other pleasurable activities less available. Single mothers are also more likely to smoke as well as falling more often in the low income category and having few outlets for other pleasurable activities.
Kicking the Cigarette Habit
While there are a number of stop-smoking products on the market (and increasing), the bulk of smokers do not use stop-smoking aids or organized programs when attempting to quit, as reported by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Volume 28, Number 1). The rate reporting seeking assistance or smoking cessation aids ran around 22%, meaning that more than three quarters of all smokers go it alone when trying to stop smoking. This may due, in part, to the cost of cigarette stop smoking products/services and also to some of the problems noted with various stop smoking drugs like Chantix.
Some stop-smoking products and programs do work for some smokers, but many smokers find that dealing with nicotine addition is a private battle and prefer to quit on their own terms and in their own ways. For these individuals, a holistic approach tends to work best with some tapering down on smoking and others going cold turkey.
Smokers need to identify the needs filled by smoking and find substitute activities or coping skills for best success. For example, a smoker who uses cigarettes during stressful situations needs to identify stressors and also work on new ways to alleviate and deal with stress. Celebration smokers can brainstorm other “treats” that serve as rewards for life successes. Those who smoke to drop or maintain weight might focus on dietary changes to reduce the need to use cigarettes to maintain a smaller jean size. Social smokers may need to develop new interests and activities that restrict or limit smoking.
Yes. It is Hard to Stop Smoking
Most smokers try several times before they successfully stop smoking. Since smokers start so early in life, giving up cigarettes can be like losing a family member or best friend. Over time, smokers not only deal with an addiction to nicotine, but a chronic behavior that can fill (or seem to fill) a variety of needs. Some smokers find medical or psychological assistance helpful while others do well with searching for new ways to meet perceived needs that cigarettes appear to fill. When giving up something that has been central to a lifestyle and deeply ingrained as a pattern, finding replacement interests and activities can make a difference.
*As always, it is wise to check with a family medical practitioner when making any major lifestyle changes.
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